How should we “pick the comfortable programming language” in an interview? [closed]

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When they ask you to choose the programming language you are comfortable with before an interview, is it to ask questions about the programming language or to check how well you code in it?

Like for example, if I don't know what iterators are in Python but I'm comfortable with Python because of its in-built facilities, should I use Python or not?

I might have studied everything about Haskell for ages but it takes me longer to write code in Haskell (imagine writing an AVL tree in Haskell). Is Haskell a good choice then?

Answer 1

is it to ask questions about the programming language or to check how well you code in it?

Neither. It is to put you at ease, using a language you know.

The interviewer is looking at how you approach problems and doesn't care about what language is being used. How you solve problems and approach problem solving is what is being looked at, which is why they say - "choose the programming language you are comfortable with".

Now, if the interviewer can see that one is not competent in the chosen language, that can ring alarm bells (the thinking would be "this is the language this person says they are comfortable with, but they can't get even simple, common syntax right. Oh uh").

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You should choose a language that you know how to write - not something you need to have a reference to work with. A language you use on a daily basis is best.

A language that you can code at while talking about the solution is what you want to use.

It is not normally expected that the code written will compile ;)

Answer 2

It really depends on the position you're going for, i'd perhaps be tempted to try and find out what the format of the interview was beforehand, i found usually if they are going to ask you to code something they'll at least give you an outline.

If you going through an agent get them to do some digging for you, remember they get a nice bonus for getting you the job so make them work for their money!

In terms of picking the language i'd pick the one you can code in the quickest and cleanest with the minimum of googling/reference material.

Lastly, relax! Remember you're getting an interview because they want you to be the right person, unless your applying for a very senior role they won't expect you to be an programming encyclopedia.